Portage County deputy set on fire released from hospital

ROOTSTOWN, Ohio -- A Portage County sheriff’s deputy who was set on fire Valentine’s Day has been released from the hospital, officials say.

Portage County Sheriff David Doak wrote on Facebook that Sgt. James Acklin was released from Akron Children’s Hospital Burn Center Monday afternoon. He noted Sunday that Acklin was in good spirits and is thankful for the prayers and well wishes.

Jay Brannon, 49, of Atwater, doused Acklin with a flammable liquid and set him on fire as the deputy served a warrant, deputies said.

He faces charges of attempted aggravated murder, aggravated arson and is scheduled to appear at a preliminary hearing Friday in Portage County Municipal Court.

He is being held in Portage County Jail on a $1 million bond.

Brannon lit a can of flammable liquid, made threats towards Acklin, saying he was going to “kill the cops," authorities said. He also commented that he wanted the officers to kill him.

Brannon threw the can of liquid at the officers, striking Acklin. Deputies rushed to help Acklin while others took Brannon into custody.

The home also caught on fire and sustained heavy damage, the sheriff’s office said.

Paramedics treated two other officers for smoke inhalation and released them at University Hospitals, the sheriff’s office said.